Friday, February 3, 2012

Kentucky's 2012-2013 proposed budget promises to be one of the most austere in history. Democratic Governor Steve Beshear wants a 2.2% cut in the State Police force and a whopping 6.4% cut from post-secondary education, amounting to over $50 million. In the current economic environment, this should not be surprising. But it is wholly inappropriate when the governor also supports a $43 million tax break for a Creationist theme park named Ark Encounter. This amusement park is sponsored by Answers In Genesis, an anti-Evolutionist organization that promotes the literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis. In addition, the governor’s budget includes an $11 million improvement to a highway interchange near the proposed Christian amusement park.

~ 800-acre amusement park.

Sitting on 800 acres, the $172 million park's main attraction will be a replica of Noah's Ark that is three stories high and two football fields long. This and other Christian-theme attractions will definitely make an indelible impression on young minds. And we at the Frog Blog are not against using myths and fables as a tool to relay certain allegorical messages and morals to a young audience. And perhaps Governor Beshear has not technically violated the First Amendment by trying to give a subsidy to a Bible theme park. After all, there were likely tax breaks given by governments to other amusement parks that feature wizards, witches, and other symbols of paganism. But to penalize funding for legitimate education in favor of a project sponsored by an evangelical group bent on undermining established scientific truths sends the message that the State of Kentucky supports the ideas of Creationism.

~ The Creation "Museum" in Kentucky.

But the biggest concern for FrogBook.com is whether Bible stories will be taught to children as FACT at Ark Encounter. Based on the stated goals and former actions of the non-profit Answers In Genesis, this is a likely scenario.

Case in point, Answers In Genesis' Creation Museum, also in Kentucky, should be a good indicator of what we can expect from Ark Encounter after it is contructed. This ludicrous "Twilight Zone" has displays that show dinosaurs walking with humans 6,000 years ago – and it is taught as fact. Now, that's just about the most ignorant and hardheaded thing we've ever seen at the Frog Blog. Just think of the scope and magnitude of misinformation that will eventually be taught to thousands of children by the state-subsidized Ark Encounter.